Improvement in perambulators



PATENT OEEIGE.

ARTHUR w. RIcEARDs, or INDIAxoLA, IowA.

IMPROVEMENT IN PERMBULATORS.

Speciiication forming part of Letters Patent No. 136,867, dated March 18, 1873.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ARTHURW. RICH- ARDs, of Indianola, in the county ofWarren and State of Iowa, have ,invented a Per-` ambulating Got, of which the following isa specification My invention consists in forming and combining an adjustable cot and a movable carriage in such a manner as to produce a perambulating cot, adapted for all the common uses of a cot; and also forthe special purpose of moving an invalid from place to place without ltouching or lifting the invalids person, allA as hereinafter fully set forth.

My drawing is a miniature perspective view illustrating the form and construction of my,

invention.

AAis a common axle, about two (2) ,feet long, with wheels of about two (2) feet in diameter, mounted on the endsl in any known suitable way. The axle and wheels may be regarded as the baseV of my perambulating cot, and the length of the axle and the size of the wheels may vary to suit persons of different size and weight. B B are the end pieces of a wooden carriage-frame. C C

kare inwardly-curved side pieces of the same carriage-rame. They are permanently joined together by means of mortises and tenons, or in any other known and suitable manner. 4By curving the side pieces C inwardly and dishin g the wheels and using shorthubs in the wheels I gain a wide base, and prevent the hubs or any other portion of my carriage and cot from extending laterallybeyond the tracksy of the wheels. 'By thismeansIadaptitforpassing persons and objects without danger of hitting them, and` thereby jarring the invalid on the cot. The end pieces B B correspond in length with the distance between the wheels j with about an inch added to each end.

The corners of the carriage-frame, thus f shaped and VJproportioned, form fenders for the wheels, and prevent the wheels from striking and soiling the garments of passers b 'lhe frame and axle are-secured together by means of suitable bolts or clips. D is a suitable way to the middle of the rear end piece B, and, together with the two side wheels, forms a tripod base to support the carriage, cot, and invalid.

I use rubber on the tires of the wheels to prevent noise and concussion; but Ido not claim this to be new.

E E is the central section ofthe frame of the cot, vand corresponds in size with the .carriage frame B C. b b are pendent Vmetal springs attached t0 the corners of the frame E. One of these springs is attached to each corner in any suitable substantial manner. They extend downward and angle away from the frame,and are connected with upright halfcircle springs by means of suitable links. a a are upright half circle metal springs. One of these is firmly bolted to each corner of the carriage-frame B C, and linked at its upper end to the pendent spring b. j

The length of the springs may vary, but the combined length of the springs a and b should be sufficient to elevate the cot-frame E above the wheels about two (2) inches.

G is the front end or foot section of the cot, hinged to the central section in such a manner that it can be held stationary at any angle desired by means of the adjustable supporting-braces c or their equivalents. H is a footrest attached to the front end. J J is the rear or head section of the cot-frame. It may be a continuation of the central section E; or may be a hinged and adjustable section, adapted as a support for the back of the invalid while in a sitting posture on the cot.

Canvas, carpet, or any suitable flexible material is to be stretched over and attached to the frame of the cot. The edges may be trimmed and ornamented'as desired.

I am one of the crippled survivors of the late Union army, and am obliged to keep my i spinal column in a horizontal position. I weigh common caster-wheel, pivoted in any knownl nearly two hundred pounds,- and have tested 2 y 136,867 Y f the merits of my perambulating cot. I find it an easy, convenient, and comfortable cot. During the warm season it is as cool as a hammock. It enables me to get out into the sunshine and air; to go to church; and to visit friends. i During cold Weather I use a robe and additional clothingto keep mewarm when out of doors. When in the house I can move to and from the fire, and from place to place. The

relative positions of the wheels and. the cot enables me to reach the wheels with my hands, and to move a short distance Without help from others.

Claim.

I claim as my invention- The perambulating and adj ustable cot formed by mounting the sections E G J upon the carriage A BV C D, substantially as described, and for the purposes specified.

ARTHUR W. RICHARDS.

Witnesses: s l Y M. W; J UDKINs, J. L. WILSON.l 

